Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has been celebrating the success of the County Antrim football team who won the Dale Farm Milk Cup Premier Section 2015 over the summer.

A special reception was held to mark the team’s achievement and to acknowledge this as the first time any such local county team had lifted the trophy.

Players and officials were hosted for supper and each received small tokens of appreciation on behalf of the local authority.

Speaking at the event, held at The Braid in Ballymena, the mayor, councillor Billy Ashe said: “For the first time in the 32-year history of the Milk Cup, now known as The Dale Farm Milk Cup, a local county team has added its name to an impressive list of major soccer teams.

“The achievement follows in the footsteps of some illustrious teams who have won this section of the tournament in the past, including, Liverpool Football Club; Manchester United; FC Barcelona; Tottenham Hotspur and Glasgow Rangers.”

He added: “Some 3,000 spectators filled Ballymena Showgrounds on Finals Night to witness the nail-biting climax when County Antrim beat the Mexican Team, Club America, 3-2 on penalties, after the match had finished 1-1.”

Speaking to the team representatives, other civic representatives and invited guests, Cllr Ashe said this was a well-deserved victory that showcased the talent of local footballers: “Mid and East Antrim Borough is really proud to be associated with this marvellous sporting victory.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate all the team members, all the coaching staff, the manager, parents and supporters who all had a role to play in this wonderful achievement.

“No doubt it makes the hours spent on the training pitch worthwhile for the players and team officials,” he concluded.